The study of nearly 1,500 USC freshmen, now in its second year, is being conducted by Brad Smith, an assistant professor in psychology, and is funded by the Alcoholic Beverages Medical Research Foundation and U.S. Department of Education.
"Students with ADHD already are at risk for academic problems such as getting behind in their studies and having grade troubles," Smith said. "Our research indicates that these students typically drink more and experience even more problems as a result."
The study used self-reporting checklists with University 101 students to establish four groups: those with attentional problems, functional problems, ADHD, and a control group. The students then were asked to report the number of alcoholic drinks they consumed per occasion, their frequency of drinking, and alcohol-related problems they experienced.
In every category, students who reported behavior consistent with an ADHD diagnosis also reported the highest drinking levels and most significant levels of acohol-related problems. Students in the control group reported the lowest levels of binge drinking, frequency of drinking, and alcohol-related problems.
"It would appear that ADHD students are more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol and would possibly benefit from more intervention," Smith said. "These students already face a tougher time of it in the non-structured environment of college."
The survey indicated that about 4 or 5 percent of USC's freshman class reported enough symptoms to suggest an ADHD diagnosis. "We think that's low," Smith said. "Numerous studies have shown that 8 percent of the general population exhibits ADHD behavior." Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder has been recognized since the turn of the century when it was called minimal brain damage dysfunction. In 1980, the diagnosis was called Attention Deficit Disorder and was changed to the current ADHD a few years later. People with the disorder have been treated with stimulants since the 1930s.
"Forty years ago, doctors would say that you'd outgrow it," Smith said. "But longitudinal studies determined that children were not outgrowing it--70 to 80 percent continue to have ADHD into adulthood." Smith plans to use a new grant to conduct studies on student drinking associated with 21st birthday celebrations, the legal age for drinking alcohol.
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